Living Wills

Living Wills

A living will, also known as an advanced directive, empowers your loved ones to carry out your end-of-life wishes regarding your health care. When a loved one is asked to make health care decisions, even simple decisions can be difficult; decisions required at the end of life can often seem impossible to make. Without a living will in place, family members, loved ones or a court-appointed guardian will have to make critical end-of-life choices for you. This can often lead to disagreements, fighting and costly litigation.

A famous example detailing the importance of a living will is the Florida case of Terri Schiavo. Schiavo was only 26 years old when she suffered a massive heart attack in her home in 1990. Due to a lack of oxygen, she suffered extensive brain damage, leaving her in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband claimed that he knew Terri’s wishes were to be taken off of life support. However, other family members believed that her wishes were to remain on life support. Highly publicized court battles went on for fifteen years.

Had Terri Schaivo executed a living will, she could have spared her loved ones the cost, time and emotional hardship of prolonged litigation.

To learn more about a living will contact our firm. With offices in Boca Raton and Aventura. we serve throughout southern Florida. Call us at 561-451-8220 or 800-989-0755. You can also arrange an appointment online.